Last thread: >>27385097
>We talked with a piece of Rubicon's mind and got Winona back with us. This had the side effect of cloning the reality warper with a German name, only at an early point of her life. While we were talking with her, a city in the undead body of a gryphon came to us-- they want to talk to the murderous giant that murdered them all and give it psychological assistance.
Queued commands:
>>27386725 >>27375044
~~~~
"What do you need to talk with the giant about? He's kind of dangerous."
"We wanted to demand a formal apology from the cretin, if you excuse my language. No, I will kick it's ass. Why be so uncivilized...?"
We all just stare at them. I could swear the books take a deep, laboured breath.
After a few minutes, they seem to have reached a consensus.
"We want to give it the psychological assistance it surely requires. At least two hundred of us have the necessary titles."
>>27386725 →
"I really don't think the giant will hear," Mirria nods. "It, uh, kills everything in sight. And eats things alive."
"Ah, does it?"
I nod, irritated.
"Well, that's it I think. Anyone in here disagrees?"
Silence falls.
"And I don't think the friend of that body will like you using it very much."
"Oh, don't worry about that, we asked our gracious hostess for permission." There is a pause, and her head shakes. Her voice changes to a more natural one. "Don't worry, they did. We'll chat later, hat horse, we have to think our plans again." They go away from the window.
We all wait for a moment, but she doesn't appear again.
I sigh, annoyed, and go open my can of peaches already. When I am about to do it, Ludwig clears her throat.
"Do ponies swa-- eat metal now? Why?"
>>27394983
No you silly filly, we eat what's inside the metal, see?
>>27394995
I open the can and show it's contents to her. Her eyes open wide, and she grabs the lid of the can in awe.
"What metal is this?"
"Stee--" She grabs the can before I am done and smells it.
"What fruit is it? Why is the fruit in oil?" She pauses for a moment. "Is it so the fruit lasts longer? Oil ruins the taste of fruit." She looks at me, a mix of confusion and indignation in her face.
>>27395012
It's a way to store food for a long time.
And don't knock it before you try it.
>>27395032
"It's a way to make it last. Give it a try."
She gives it a dubious look, but grabs one of the pieces in telekinesis.
"No fur-- skin?"
"We take it off"
"Why? The skin is what feeds you the most."
"Just eat it."
She puts it in her mouth and, slowly, bites it.
"This tastes like exc-- shit without skin. Fruit without skin is just bland," She opens one of the windows telekinetically. "Give me a second."
She climbs a book case and goes outside. I share a look with Mirria, but she shrugs and eats peach with a pleasured expression.
>>27395198
Ludwig, what are you doing?
>>27395198
Psh, darn fruit elitists. Should just eat it and be happy with it.
>>27395241
>>27395226
"What are you doing?" She doesn't answer. "It's made to last, of course it doesn't have the best taste. Damn prissy fruit elitists..." I mutter under my breath.
Singing comes from outside.
>>27395273
She making a tree out there?
>>27395287
>[CONTROL PASSED TO MIRRIA]
Applejack climbs the window and stands in the bookcase.
"Holy..." She trails off, eyes wide.
Yeah, that's holy all right.
>>27395442
Ask her what's happening
Also pet the pupper just cause
>>27395442
>Yeah, that's holy all right.
Mirria stop looking at AJ's butt.
[1/2]
>>27395643
>>27395694
I give myself a while to appreciate AJ's butt and pet Winona, then ask Applejack what's wrong. She doesn't answer, so I fly up to see wha--
Holy fuck.
>>27395717
What kind of peach tree is that?
>>27395723
We go search Ludwig, noticing how much more vital this place is now.
When we find her, Applejack asks her what is going on immediately.
"What do you mean? I only wanted to eat fresh fruit.
The gryphon -is that really Surane? I try not to duel in the idea that my land is dead- flies loops in the sky, talking to herself.
>>27395832
How did you do that without seeds?
>>27395858
>[CONTROL PASSED TO APPLEJACK]
"Those things have no seeds."
"I told you. I have a good tongue."
>>27395910
I've got a decent tongue too, but it doesn't make trees.
>>27395945
"My tongue doesn't make trees without seeds." I deadpan.
"It's... Your language has no word for it. Mine did. I... I talk in, and then I talk out, and I change things. Watch," She sings and the tree grows taller, it's colors shifting. "Have you ever met a... a three-eye? It's similar."
>>27396132
Three eye? I have not, though I have heard of one
>>27396172
"I have heard of it?" I offer. Mirria gives us both a weird look.
"A three eye is, give me a moment..." She spends a minute muttering in several languages. "Someone with three eyes, obviously. But the third eye is a good eye. They can see the world and change it."
"Hu--" I nearly choke in the instant need to vomit.
What in Tartarus is that smell!?
>>27396330
Ayyyyyy it's Surane
Ask himthem?what they're doing up there
Also ask Mirria what she's looking at
Dindins claim me.
>>27396399
Mirria taps me in the shoulder and points to Surane. The gryphon is posed in a tree above us, watching the peach tree as flies buzz around... Him? Her?
Mirria and I step away from it. Ludwig turns around to face... them I guess? but doesn't move away from the smell.
"Peaches? Peach-- We can't eat peaches, you idiot. Yeah, gryphons are carnivore aren't they? Why not try anyway? Do you want to have diarrhea. I think it'd be worth a few peaches. I don't you dumbass..." They keep arguing.
We stare in silence.
>>27396865
Pretty sure griffons are omnivores.
>>27396874
"Uh, hey, weren't gryphons omnivores?"
"Really? Any gryphon in here?"
There is no answer.
"Huh, weird. They must've flown away in tim--" Her voice changes to who seems to be the original owner of the body "Will you all shut up already bunch of ignorants? I am trying to be dead back here. And yes, you can eat peaches, they just come out the same they come in." Her voice fades. "Great! No-- What, who's that?" They point at Mirria. "Isn't that the king's maid-- I've heard she's his sist-- And I've heard she's an assasin-- and I've heard she's his who--" Their eyes dilate in surprise, and before they can react Mirria kicks them drown from the tree savagely.
Have to do things and stuff. May run a bit more later if I am not too tired.
>>27397106
You guys need to learn how to keep your thoughts to yourselves.
>>27397106I fucking love Mirria.
beb
>>27401560
gonna take a miracle
Resuming in a bit.
>>27397199
"You guys ought to keep your thoughts to yourselves."
"Thing is," The griffon gets up with an annoyed expression. "No mater how many decide to shut our beaks, some idiot always says it aloud. Our apologies, ma'am."
Mirria doesn't relax.
"Hey," Ludwig barges in. "Do you know what that tree is?" She points at the large tree.
"Oh, that. Yeah, that's us. I think. Give us a seco--" They shake again, and the voice of... how was she called? Mariela? returns. "What now? I told you guys. I am trying to be dead back here. D-E-A-D. Wait, the tree? You were seeds, ignorants. Use the brain I gave you--" Her eyes lock on Ludwig. "Do I know you? I could swear I've seen you... Wait. I am pretty sure my brain didn't rot that much." She pauses. "you are just a skull and a knife, I took you from the vaults myself. Why are you a pony?"
>>27404282isn't that a prompt for ludwig
>>27404366Point taken
>[CONTROL PASSED TO LUDWIG]
ded
>>27404391
What vaults? How do you recognize me?
>>27404282
That's another me, apparently.
>>27405594
>>27405621
I watch the griffon silently for a minute.
"How do you recognize me? What vaults?" I pause. "And the knife is... I think she's another me."
She opens her mouth, and the others wince at the smell of it. It's in moments like these that I thank being able to choose whether to feel tastes and smells or not, "The vault is where we kept you, it's somewhere around here. Can't remember right now, rotten brain and all," She knocks the side of her head with a paw, rolling her eyes. "And of course I learned about you! You are Ludwig, taught by immortals to heighten your soul and tell the world what to be! I was a dreamer, too. At least until my teacher went too far in his research and killed Surane." She winces. "Sorry about that, by the way."
Sorry? Why would--
The pieces fall together. Surane. A bastardization of Tsho-eera-neh. Lead fills my gut.
I gave up everything for my land, up to an including my very life and tongue. I spent half my life mute to learn how to defend it better. I fought against dragons to keep it safe.
"Your master was a Dreamer too"
She nods. I tremble.
"And he caused the death of it?"
She nods again, wincing.
"Where is he?" I grit my teeth. "I didn't make the church so that one of my apprentices killed it." She doesn't answer, and I grab her by the throat with telekinesis, leaving just enough space so that she can talk. "Where. Is. He!?"
"Don't... Know..." She strains against it, and I release an iota of pressure. "Last time we talked... he told me the... thing I had known... for the last two years... wasn't actually him, but... the creature he made..."
>[SELECT CHARACTER TO CONTROL]
>>27405861
AJ
Tell Ludwig to cut that out. This place is bad enough without everyone hitting each other.
Besides, it sounds like she got tricked too.
>>27406035
"Hey, hey! Killing each other won't fix anything!"
Reticently, Ludwig lets go of her throat and turns to the peach tree.
"That thing tricked everyone, even her. It's not her fault."
She takes a peach and eats it angrily, muttering under her breath in a combination of languages I don't understand.
"Rubicon..." Mariela rubs her throat. "Rubicon made many mistakes, but he never intended this to happen."
Ludwig doesn't answer, and after a moment the gryphon flies away in silence.
I have the feel Ludwig doesn't want any kind of company right now.
>>27406270
We go back to the library, and in the way I ask Mirria what was she reading. She takes a moment before grabbing a piece of paper from her bags.
"A book that was left on the table. Something about cursed songs, I supposed it could be useful." She pauses, then adds something: "I usually dressed as a servant, and most people didn't know I was Hlaoo's bodyguard. I prefer it that way because no one notices servants-- I could move undisturbed even when we were doing diplomatic visits, but it also meant that people misinterpreted our relationship. The topic has always been a short fuse for me."
>>27406937
Whoops. Let's add some things to make up for the missdeletion.
>>27406937
Understandable. I'm surprised by how many recognized you really. I'm I the only one in here from Equestria?
>>27407680
"Huh, a lot of them recognized you. And am I the only Equestrian here?"
"Surane had been tense for some time, and people was going away besides it being in the other side of the world from Equestria, so it's probable that you and the princess were the only Equestrians. And they didn't know my name, and they were Surane natives. It served it's purpose." She starts writing something else, but stops with a far away look.
>>27407772
Say hello to birb.
>>27407772
Wait where did all the birds come from?
>>27407797
>>27407789
I turn to the bird.
"Hi little guy," It hops closer, and I give a look to the trees. "Where did you all come from?"
>[DIRECT CONTROL DISABLED]
>[CONTROL PASSED TO MIRRIA]
Hmm.
Certainly Holy.
>>27408013
Wait for birb to reply.Boop birb.
>>27408278
Yes, Applejack. Keep talking to that bird. I am sure it'll answer sometime soon.
>>27408306
Why are their eyes red?
>>27408306
I don't think the birds want us around anymore.
>>27408311
>>27408341
>>27408278
Something falls in the cape, and I look up to, if only for my pride's sake, glare at the birds. They stare back at me, their eyes a bright red.
The sparrow clears it's troath.
"Run, you fools. The giant is trying to invade me."
>>27408451
Do as the birdy suggests and run the fuck away.
>>27408494
We run, the sparrow and birds following us. After a moment, the sparrow poses on Applejack's hat.
"Damn it! I hate having to make an avatar, accursed, limiting flesh..." it takes a breath as we leave the birds behind. "The giant is a child compared to me, but not without strength. I should be able to--"
He is interrupted by the screech of a roc, flying to pose in our way.
>>27408843
HAHA TIME TO FUCKING RUN
>>27408843
Bean it in the eye with a can of peaches, then run past.
[1/2]
>>27408877
>>27408871
I take a can of peaches from my bag and throw it at it's eyes. The roc leashes back from the pain of it.
[2/2]
>>27408957
Almost immediately after leaving the stunned roc behind, Applejack stops, and so do I almost immediately after. The earth opens like a hungry maw, rocks arranging themselves to new patterns.
"What is it doing!? Do you have any idea of how hard it is to make proper organic structur--" The sparrow explodes in a cloud of paper nubs and pulverized ink.
>>27409050
Fuck, I was going to pause this and go to sleep hours ago -not much activity anywhere at this hour- but started reading Horse Wife.
So yeah paused I guess.
>>27409050
Uh.
Run the other way.
>>27409050
IS THE FUCKING CLOUD TRYING TO CATCH US.
Resuming in a moment.
>>27409396
We run in another direction as fast as our legs can take us, the roc regaining it's wits quickly and breaking branches with ease in it's flight.
A squirrel sees us and jumps to my back, screeching something.
"Eeeh Damn this small brain! Search for a way downwards, the others are already taken care off--" Applejack's scream interrupts it.
>>27413574
>[CONTROL PASSED TO APPLEJACK]
>[SELECT CHARACTER TO CONTROL]
The roc lifts me, higher and higher, flexing it's claws waiting for the right moment to let go of me.
>>27414434
Lasso its leg.
Or ask Mirria if she'd be a pal and catch us.
>>27414434
Scream for help.
[1/2]
>>27414776
>>27414759
I call for Mirria and knot my rope to the roc's leg, making it drop me earier. The roc cries in confusion when the rope pulls it's leg, and my neck hurts warningly.
[1/2]
>>27415167
I leave my rope in the roc's leg, and it screeches after us in fury.
>>27415576
*[2/2]
>>27415576
Welp, guess we gotta jump.
>>27415576
look like we are going swimming
Bump because something came up, brb
>>27416447
>>27416478
The squirrel notices what we are going to do and jumps to my head.
"Remember! Go down, I'll open you a passage to a safe room as soon as I ca--" We jump into the water, and the squirrel explodes in another cloud of paper and ink.
The roc screeches against the water a few times and stands vigilantly in the small beach.
>>27417019
Swim to the glowing light, that might be the passage the squirrel was talking about.
>>27417019
Down we go.
>>27417051
>>27417037
A crab, holding some shining object in a pincer, snaps the other at us and starts walking.
>>27417133
Follow the crab.
Wonder how life came to this.
>>27417181
We follow the crab. After a while, it slips past a chain of... chimneys? We aren't that deep yet, right?
We try to pass between them, but there isn't enough space. The crab snaps it's free claw impatiently, and I can feel my lungs ache.
>>27417342
We'll have to go though.
Those may possibly be air bubbles too, if our friend controls this place.
>>27417625
Chimneys expel highly toxic gasses that can damage the skin at extremely high temperatures.
I was going to mention it in the post, but didn't realize I had forgotten to until you replied.
>>27417636Normal ones sure, but this place is hardly normal.
We'll have to go up and over then.
>>27417661
We swim up for a long time, waiting for the column to end.
Strange. There seems to be something in the water here, like pieces of cloth.
>>27417843
We follow the crab deeper and deeper, feeling drowsy.Pausing for the night.
>>27417956
I hope this fucking crab remembers oxygen is a thing.
did we just fucking kill ourselves
>>27418852
We're underwater, with no air, following a crab
I'm pretty sure we have
>>27418852
we just need a miracle
Resuming in a moment.
>>27418852>>27418947
>>27421106
Guys
I am pretty sure I didn't say you died
I honestly have half a mind to act as if you actually died, but seriously guys.
>>27417956
Just keeps swimming.
>>27417956
follow that crab!
>>27424400
>>27424430
We keep swimming, but after a moment the pressure in the water changes slightly. I turn to Mirria, and she is trying to free herself from something.
>>27424567
Bite it.
>>27424567
I've seen enough hentai blah blah
I guess help her?
>>27424567
>the pressure in the water changes slightly
Up or down?
Also, help her get free.
>>27424726
>>27424703
>>27425294
The crab runs to us and starts snapping at the tentacle, being careful that the shining object doesn't touch it.
The water feels more dense the closer I get to the creature....bite something when underwater?
Provide some method that doesn't involve drowning.
>>27425348
Smash tentacle against ground with hoof. Look for a place it is over a rock.
[1/2]
>>27425374
I stomp on the tentacle, and we swim away as fast as we can.
[2/2]
>>27425870
The crab is pointing at us and then up frenetically, standing besides what seems to be softer rock.
>>27426045
UP WE GO THEN
>>27426594
As soon as we put some distance between ourselves and the ground, the crab throws the shining object against the floor. The object explodes, breaking the ground, and the water sucks us in, taking and crushing one of the tentacles too.
As soon as we are in, the entrance collapses and seals itself.
The crab snaps it's pincers at us and clears it's throat.
"Ah, there it is. Everyone who invades me thinks about taking the control of the surface, never of the underground. Idiots! I make those forests sorely to entertain myself. Now, do go in, will you?"
Mirria tries to write something, but her pens and paper are ruined. She gives a ruined notebook a frustrated look and throws it away.
>>27426938
Let go trough the door, we need the air.
>>27426938
In we go.
>>27427001
>>27427016
I... won't even try to understand how this works.
The giant is trying to force itself through the narrow door, it's face deforming and two hands barely recognizable as such training to reach us. Ludwig is shouting something, bullets of sweat streaming down her face.
As soon as we are in, the library starts shaking, and after nearly a minute of it the giant's face is seemingly cut from the rest of it and, with a scream, turns into dust.
We hear it scream in rage, somewhere under us, but it seems like it's over.
Ludwig falls to the floor, asleep.
>>27427513
Be confused.
>>27427513
what just happen?
>>27427658
I propose this suggestion be added onto every single update. I defy you to find a post it wouldn't work with.
>>27427658
>>27427670
"What did just happen?"
One of the books shows the word "Translocation" to me, then throws itself against the door.
We peek out. As soon as Mirria realizes where we are now, she flies off to the higher area and returns with working pen and paper.
She starts writing something several times, but stops every time.
>>27427771
FUck me.
>>27427771
What's wrong, Mirria? Anything I can help with?
>>27427829
"What's wrong?" She keeps trying to write something and scratching it again immediately. "Is it anything I can help you with?"
She pauses for a moment, but shakes her head.
Winona licks her face, and she throws the pen away in a fit of anger.
>>27428148
Easy Mirria. Take a breath, and start again.
What do you need to say?
>>27428148
Mirria are you fluster about me kissing you?
>>27428148
Do you want to talk about it, or should I just give you a minute?
>>27428191
>>27428351
I grab the pen and offer it to her.
"What's it? Do you want time?"
It takes a moment, but she nods and grabs it.
"Just take a moment, alright? What's that you need to say?"
Hesitantly, she takes the pen and keeps trying to write.
Ludwig peeks out of the door, notices the state Mirria is in, and whispers at me if I can go in for a moment.>>27428218#
What kiss.
First you people decide they died and now they kissed.
Am I causing you all mental problems or something.
>>27428403
You said they didn't die so I thought that meant they kissed.
>>27428403
Yes, we can go in for a moment.
>>27428403
Sure, what's she after?
>>27428403
Sure, Ludwig. I think Mirria needs a moment anyway.>>27428428
This anon makes a compelling argument. Are you sure we didn't kiss?
Kissy kissy.
>>27428544
That looks like a bite on her snout.
>>27428446
>>27428461
>>27428462
I tell Mirria to give me a moment, and she nods.
A cat waits me in the table inside, waving it's tail, and only now do I realize that I never got to eat my peaches. My belly groans.
The cat clears it's troath and talks, "Seeing you are not making any effort to learn how to understand me, and that searching specific words in books is, even with my intellect, tiresome, I think it may be time that I give up and make an avatar with more regularity."
It seems like I am supposed to answer, so I just nod.
"First of all, the crystal ball you showed me, keep it safe. It may act as an electric or arcane battery if you need it to. Second," It's tail flickers in annoyance. "I would very much like to know what is that you did to anger the giant so much. Translocating my connection to that damn tower is not easy, in case you didn't know."
>>27428638
Kinky.
>>27428646
He told me to die.
Instead, I freed his rebel hands and messed with his fake sun.
>>27428646
>seeing how you are not making any effort to learn how to understand me
Okay, fair enough. I have a while now that Mirria is occupied, so let's work on that. Explain yourself to me, slowly and simply. When I can't understand, I will ask you to stop and explain where you lost me. Let's work the problem here, and not make things worse by just assuming. Yeah, I'm a bit confused, but I don't want to be. Let's talk.
>>27428686
>>27428742
"Uh. He told me to die."
"Alright."
"And I think I didn't die. I don't remember."
"Go on."
"And then I went to free the hands."
"Which hands?"
"The hands it was going to eat."
"Oh."
"And then I took out those seeds. That broke his forest."
The cat's tail leashes in annoyance. "Understandable."
"And then I broke his sun."
"What for?"
"To see if I could get my dog that way."
"And I guess you got my sister as a side effect."
"Yeah."
The cat leashes it's tail again for a moment.
"About that, Ludwig's blade and the crystal ball are similar in design, which is why the fragment of the blade reacted. Whatever you did simply rendered a new body for any souls and minds within it's proximity."
I pause awkwardly for a moment.
"And I could try to understand yo--"
The cat simply stares at me, it's tail leashing in utter feline annoyance.
"Now you ask? In all honesty, I am not in a teaching mood right now." It-- he? he takes a deep breath. "The translocation, as well as resisting the giant's infection for long enough for everyone to get here safely, has left me tired. But untranslated I speak in a simple cypher, mainly due to some of the spells that tether my mind to this structure having degraded over time. You could break it with some common sense."
>>27428816
>You could break it with some common sense. Just replace the most common characters with the most common characters in whatever language you use, psionics are strange like that."*
>>27428816
Could you give me a simple one to work on? I really do want to understand you better.
beb
>>27428853
"Can you give me something simple?"
"Later, mare. Just maintaining an avatar is an effort right now." The cat stretches for emphasis. "I haven't slept in what, thirty years? A few hours would do well to me."Sorry, got distracted with things and stuff.
>>27429665
Okay, if Ludwig is busy and Mirria is busy I guess we just wait?
>>27429715
The cat jumps into the third window (Giving us a peek into the reddened sky the glass hides) without another word, leaving me with Ludwig.I never said she was busy.
>>27429780
Talk to Ludwig.
>>27429780
What's Ludwig planning to do now?
>>27430207
"So, what do you plan to do?"
She shuffles uncomfortably for a moment, "Right now I'll stay here for some time. I need some time to think." She pauses. "Is everywhere this dangerous these days?"Alright, pausing for the day.
>>27430226
... yeah
beb
sweepsweepsweepsweepsweep
sweepsweepsweepsweepsweepsweepsweepsweepsweepsweepsweepsweepsweepsweepsweep
>>27431531
sweepsweepsweepsweepsweep
Fuck, sorry for t<king so long but my sleeping schedule has been a mess these days. Resuming in a moment.
Change of plans everyone, I am retarded and got my days wrong. I have a P&P session today, not tomorrow, so no QMing today.
My apologies for not saying this before, and have lewds graciously offered by Zenith: http://i.imgur.com/eOt2att.png
appulbem
sweep?
>>27430246
"What I remember of it...? Yeah. Kind of. We keep getting ancient creatures every year or so." Ludwig doesn't answer. "So I guess I'll be going, then."
She nods, "I'll be around here if you need anything."
I go out to check on Mirria. Below several scratched starts, she wrote "Doesn't matter."The other players hadn't made their characters yet, one left early, and the other stopped talking without giving any reason. What a motherfucking surprise. I'll QM for a few hours, I guess.
... bump?
>>27437921
I don't know Mirria. Seems like it's pretty important to you, whatever it is.
>>27438765
"You seemed worried about it."
She only shakes her head, avoiding my gaze.
>>27439036
Nearly everything here is trying to kill us.
How are we supposed to stay alive if you can't trust me?
>>27439036
Mirria, please tell me what is going on. Maybe I can help.
>>27439270
>>27439562
"Please? For me?"
She hesitates, but grabs the paper again and turns it. In the clean side, she writes:
"I hate writing. It gives you time to think what you want to say." She pauses for a moment. "I've been trying not to think about Surane, to focus on" She stops for a moment. "other things, but I don't know what I am supposed to do. Everything tries to kill us. I haven't seen any sign of my brother. I am too afraid to ask that griphon if any of them knows."
>>27439835
Everything tries to kill us, but nothing has succeeded yet. You haven't seen any sign of your brother, but we haven't looked everywhere yet. Have hope.
And if you're too afraid to ask that griphon if any of them knows, I'll do it for you.
>>27440187
"What? Nothing has killed us, and we still haven't looked everywhere." I pause "And I could ask them, if you want me to."
She considers it for a moment, but shakes her head. We are in silence for a moment, and she writes again.
"Sorry for this. We should keep searching." She pushes the paper, still shaken.
>>27440433
Give her a hug, and then lead the way for searching. We have a tower to master.
>>27440472
I grab her in a hug and, when she seems to at least have relaxed a bit, let go of her.Where to? I can make a rough map if you want me to.
>>27440866
map pls
>>27440866
Yeah, map. And please indicate where we have already been versus where we have not.
>>27440916
>>27440952Yellow lines indicate unexplored paths.
Also you already have all the elements to go up.
>>27441130
Let's not go up until we finish out this floor. Near yellow pathway.
>>27441130
That's one seriously ugly map.
>>27441211
We go see whatever was behind Quibra's brother.
A gryphon guard stands in firm position. His eyes stay in me, but he makes no comment.>>27441416
I can't into maps.
>>27441537
Ask if we can pretty please get by. We're looking for things.
>>27441537
"Excuse me?"
The guard answers with a grunt.
"Can I pass?"
"No."
"Why?"
"Queen Reddo is emotionally distressed and not to be upset further."
>>27441553
What if we promise not to bother her? We won't talk to her or even make eye contact. We just want to give due diligence to our search by making sure we explore every last bit of this place.
>>27441564
"And if we leave her alone? We won't bother her."
"I must apologize if this is not your intent, but I have no way to know you are not a terrorist. Do you have any sort of identification or proof of identity? Anything I could trust?".
"August?" Asks a tired voice behind the guard. "Who is it?"
"Only two civilians, ma'am." He turns back to us. "Unless you aren't?"
>>27441636
Yeah, we're civilians. We're on a quest looking for a miracle and/or Mirria's brother. I have no proof of my identity beyond my word as an honest mare / the element of honesty.
>>27441674
"We are looking for something at the top of this place."
"So? That mad dog was, too. Fucker stank like a dead body." He grimaces.
"Also her brother." I gesture at Mirria.
August turns to Mirria and gives her a look, "I am afraid I have not seen anyone who resembles you, ma'am. My apologies."
Mirria points at her cape, half annoyed, and makes gestures around her head.
"A... hat?" ventures August. "You are trying to tell us something about a hat?"
Mirria shakes her head softly.
>>27441720
Help August out so we're not playing charades all night.
>>27441774
"Your hair?" She shakes her head vehemently. "Uh... your mind." She gives me a look and takes the piece of paper from her bags -I make a mental note about getting more paper at some point- and writes on it.
>>27441801
Be Mirria's translator for August and wish that we had a better way of communicating more directly.
[1/2]
>>27441822
"Oh. Yeah." I turn back to August. "She's the king's sister."
"What?" He gives her another look. "A sister? He d--" He is confused. "Did he...?"
"Is anything the mater, August?" Asks the woman I guess is Reddo from behind.
He seems to panic for a moment, but turns back to her with a reverence.
"I am so terribly sorry to bother you, my queen--"
"You've been in my personal guard for twenty years. Drop it."
"Do you..." He cringes. "Do you remember if Hlaoo had a sister?"
"Surely you just? He doesn't." She pauses. "He doesn't, right?"
"I... can't remember, my queen." August gulps. Mirria gives them an incredulous look.
"This is... peculiar. Let them in, August."
"But--"
"Let them in." The tone of the voice suggests that she is in no mood for buts.
He moves aside, his armour clanking, and gestures at us to go in with a warning look. Do anything to her, say his eyes, and you'll see what happens.
[2/2]
>>27441938
The gryphonese, despite how obviously tired she is, stands in the mat that was strewn across the floor for her. The two glass balls alight and heat the room in equal measure.
"Come here," She gestures at Mirria. "You are the so called sister?"
She nods, visibly bothered by the question.
"I would remember if Hlaoo had a sister," She grabs Mirria by the chin and makes her turn her head gently. "Yet I don't remember him not having one. Do you have any idea of why would this be, young mare?"
>>27442124
It was kept quiet for the most part.
She was his guard.
>>27442124
>Of why could this be*
>>27442133
>>27442167
>>27442176
"She--"
Reddo shots me a mean look, "I asked her."
"She's mute." I deadpan.
"Ah. My apologies."
"She was his bodyguard--" Mirria shakes her head and writes something in the paper.
"You... knew me? I must apologize, but I am sure I'd remember you." She pauses. "Yet you are familiar. This is most puzzling.
Before any of us can answer, there is a dignified hmph outside. A white mare barges in and traps me in a choking hug immediately.
"Oh, dear! I had missed you so much! You have no idea!"
>>27442240
Hug Rarity. Also:
>>27427658
>>27442240
Uh, hello again, I think.
>>27442282
>>27442288
"Ah... hello?" I hug the masked mare back awkwardly.
There is something to her voice and face, as if I had a word in the tip of my tongue.
But there is also something... hollow, almost meek about her. As if I was seeing a shadow.
"Whyever do you use such a tone? One'd say you don't recognize me!" The mare lets go of me."I must apologize. I had hoped to be there when you got back from this travel you got obsessed with, not to... you know. Die." She laughs awkwardly.
>>27442456
Uhhhh, sorry, but could you remind me who you are? I had an incident and a lot of memories of mine got jumbled up, sorry
>>27442456I hope Mirria doesn't get jealous.
>>27442502
>implying she isn't ecstatic for the inevitable threesome they're going to have
>>27442456
You're dead too huh? Lot of that going on around here.
>>27442493
>>27442502
I give a look to Mirria, but for now she doesn't seem bothered by this mare's... pushiness, to put it softly, so I look back to her.
"Look, I am sorry, but my memories aren't in good shape right now."
"You mean you really...?" Starts the mare, seemingly hurt. "No, I understand. It's not your fault, I guess" She makes an effort to pull herself together, taking a deep breath. "I guess we'll have to start over, then?"
"Could you try to remind me of who you are?"
"But of course. Lady Rarity, owner of the Carousel Boutiques, past element of generosity, big sister of one of the better singers Equestria had?"
I shake my head, "I am sorry."
"Starting over, then?"
Reddo clears her throat, "We were having a conversation, before you interrupted us."
"Oh?" Rarity seems to notice the others for the first time. "Oh! Do forgive me, your Highness." She makes a reverence and walks a few steps away from me.
"It's fine. What were we at?"
Mirria lifts her page and points at it again.
"Ah, that. I must say I am sorry, but I don't remember anything of that. You do seem familiar, however." She flexes and relaxes her claws a few times, thinking. "I remember him not being a single son, but I don't remember any siblings of his either. Curious."
You can let Mirria and Reddo talk and go outside to talk with Rarity, if you want to. And I have to do something, should be back quickly. Should.
>>27442595
Queued.
>>27442622
Memories don't seem very safe in this place.
I forgotten nearly everything.
>>27442622
let go outside with Rarity so we don't interrupt Mirria and Reddo.
>>27442622
Ask her what's up with the mask.
>>27442952
>>27442966
>>27443183
>>27442595
"This place messes with memories, yes. Can you excuse me? I think I need to talk with my friend."
Reddo and Mirria nod at me distractedly. I walk out with Rarity in heed.
"So you are dead."
"Rather shameful, if I have to be honest," She cringes. "I choked in a morsel, there wasn't anyone around..." She leaves it in the air uncomfortably.
"I am sorry." I cringe.
"You must stop saying that. It wasn't your fault." she brightens up quickly.
I take a moment to think. "I found another guy like that before. He also wore a mask." She tenses, "He talked strange. I think he was crazy, but he didn't attack us." She relaxes, letting out a breath, "What's up with those masks?"
"They are important. It's part of coming back." She pauses hesitantly. "I am not sure if there's some rule about me saying this, but the living can't see the faces of the dead, it'd... be bad for them." She touches the edges of her mask. "I was told the masks shape themselves to wearer. What does mine look like? I didn't have a chance to find a mirror in my way to you."
"It's some kinda blue butterfly." A feeling of duty makes me add. "It looks nice, I guess."
"Even Rainbow is better at compliments, dear. It's nice to see you are still the same pony, even if..." She looks at me with concern. "Whatever happened to you? You seem so... I hadn't ever expected to see you so ready to cower and run away. It isn't proper of a mare like you"
>>27443286
I'm tired, lost and confused.
I've been tired, lost and confused for a while now.
I wish I could at least remember what it is I'm hoping to get back to after all this.
>>27443286
>the living can't see the faces of the dead, it'd... be bad for them." She touches the edges of her mask. "I was told the masks shape themselves to wearer.
Who told you all that?
>>27443328
>>27443504
"Who told you that?" I avoid her gaze nervously. "About the masks, I mean."
"Oh, you surely expect some dreadful undertaker? You'd be surprised of how similar to being alive it is. One learns things by word of mouth, mainly. But darling," She holds my head and nudges me to look at her. "You are still that terrible at avoiding questions. Do tell me what was bad enough to make you of all ponies cower."
"It's just... this place. I am tired, and cold, and don't know what I am supposed to do. And I don't even remember if there is something worth going back to."
She grabs me again in a choking hug.
"You have a beautiful orchard to go back to, with--" She stops for a fraction of a second. "Your cousins, waiting for you, and all the rest of the girls there, too."
I try to calm down, too tired to resist any kind of embrace right now, but this mare is just too cold for me to relax.
>>27443732
Nudge yourself away from her and ask her where your orchard is
>>27443919
I push her away gently, and she takes the hint quickly. "And where is this orchard?"
"Well, back on Equestria of course, still the main suplier of Ponyville's food. It's always been your pride."Gonna nap, back in a few hours, been at this for... I don't even care to check.
>>27443967
Who are these 'girls' you spoke of? Did you mean my family?Okay,enjoy your nap! I'll keep the thread bumped while you're gone
>>27443967
>back on equestria
Then where is this? And why the hesitation before "cousins"?
sweep.
>>27444020
>>27444536
"Equestria?" I try to remember it, but it's still little but a name to me. "And what girls?"
"You've really forgotten it all, haven't you? Pinkie Pie, Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash? Does any of that ring a bell?"
I try to remember anything I haven't already, but its to no use. Her voice is perfectly fine, but that hollow quality, that... cold undertone creeps at her every word, stealing it of any significance. Mirria and Ludwig, when they mentioned others, had a certain fire in their words, the names they were saying had cadences for them that came from loving, or at least admiring, the names being said.
I guess this mare really is dead.
"You paused. Before cousins." I spit, mostly to fill the gap in the conversation.
She winces, "I don't know if you remember this, but we are older than it seems like." She hesitates. "Perhaps it's better that you don't remember."
>>27446365
Apparently I had a family. I want to know what happened to them.
>>27446365
>Perhaps it's better that you don't remember.
No. I am tired of not knowing things. No more "maybe it's better that you don't know" or "the abstract force of honesty prevents me from telling you" or "you are lying to yourself to much to know" or any other ridiculous excuse for why I have to be left in the dark.
You tell me everything and I tell you everything.
Honesty.
>>27447123
>>27448109
"I had a family?"
"You have one, but if you don--" She starts.
"No!" I stomp the ground, interrupting her. "No one knows nothing, and when they do they won't tell me! Everyone talks about honesty while talking riddles or hiding things from me! I am tired of this!"
She seems shaken, but clears her throat.
"I am sorry. Our longevity hit you the hardest..." She pauses for a moment. "You outlived your siblings, as well as your close kin, simple as that. It took you years to move out of that." She paused. "I just wanted to save you the pain."
>>27448360
I appreciate the thought. I know you only meant well.
What caused my longevity?
>>27448893
"No, it's fine," I sit down. "I am just..."
"I understand, dear."
"But... why are we so old?"
"Twilight spent a long, long time trying to find out herself. Last time I talked with her, after you had gone away, she mentioned having a lead, but..." She leaves it in the air.Pausing for the day.
>>27449453
But what? You can tell me. Honesty, remember?
I can answer this, I guess
>>27449591
"But what?"
"But I died."
>>27449606
So why did that stop you from talking to her? You're still talking to me after you died.
>>27449639
"That isn't stopping you now."
"Surely your memory isn't that damaged? The dead can't just talk with the living willy-nilly. These are just... special circumstances.You said you found someone else like me, maybe you already know what's happening?"Not quite resuming yet, only answering frrom bed.
Now actually resuming.
>>27451297
My memory is damaged as all hell. I don't even know what this place really is, why it was created, why I came here, or what is at the top of the tower. I don't suppose I told you any of that before I left, did I?
>>27451887
"Rarity, When I... when I woke up here I didn't remember anything. Not an ounce. For all I knew the world away from this tower was a black void." She winces, and after a moment I add. "Did I tell you anything about this place before coming here?"
"What...?" She looks at me in confussion for a moment. "Whyever would you have? None of us even knew this place exis-- Oh. I should've made myself more clear. Your travel wasn't here. Your travel was... how did you put it? From a side of Equestria to another, I think it was? You walked out of it via the west, fully intending to enter back from the east."
>>27452015
I was... going right around?
Did I say why?
How far away I'm I now?
>>27452015
So I was just trying to circumnavigate the globe?Okay, so pure exploration then? I can understand that as a motivation.
Wait, walked out into what? Because whatever I walked out into had forest tower land in it too, and I guess I got sidetracked, or something when my memory left. Glad to know I never intended to end up in a pocket dimension fighting a hand spawning giant who hates stars and wants everyone to die.
>>27452059
>>27452072
"All around the globe?" I say, mainly to myself, trying to process it. "All the way?"
"And you were pretty obstinate about doing it on hoof unless there was absolutely no other way, too."
"But... why? Did I ever tell you?" I feel myself go pale. "How far am I?"
"In the last letter I received you weren't far from reaching the other side of the world, a few months ago." She avoids my gaze. "And you told us it was a family tradition, making a travel on hoof and assuming the role of Apple matron, it's just that you took it far beyond reasonable distances." She mouths for a moment before talking again, "Truth to be told, I always felt your travel was of a more personal nature, and so did everyone. The only one who didn't object to you doing it was Twilight," She smiles faintly and pats Winona. "And her, too. You didn't want her to follow you, saying that it wasn't healthy for a dog to be far from her territory for so long. She followed from a distance and only revealed herself when you were too far from home to take her back, the rascal."
>>27452212
Good to know my initial motivation.
>>27452072
Second half of this again, please.
>>27452212
Wait, so if I was on the opposite side of the world, how did I end up here?
I know Twilight's been here too, so I'm guessing this place isn't reached by normal travel.
>>27452253
"I was at the other side of the world, then?" Mirria mentioned it before, but I just hadn't had the chance to process it. "Then why am I here?" I hesitate, but decide to say it anyway. "I met Luna. She told me another of the girls is here, too. That she could be dangerous."
"Did she tell you who?" I shake my head. "Ah, too bad... but what do you mean? Haven't you seen the city outside this tower?"
"What city?"
"The city." She deadpans at me. "Hard to miss."
"There's only forest." I deadpan back.
"I haven't seen any forest outside here." I am about to argue, but she adds. "It may be that I am of the dead persuasion, though. I barely use my eyes anymore.">>27452224
AJ walked out of Equestria from the west side, is that the answer you were asking for? I am not sure I understand the question.
>>27452449
Walked out of Equestria and into where? A void? The aether? What is between Equestria and this world?
>>27452449
Okay, you tell me about the city, I'll tell you about the forest. When I walk in or out of the tower I feel briefly ripped apart, as if by teleportation. A hand commented on it too. Outside the tower is a giant. The giant lives in a forest. The trees in the forest are made of souls, possibly the souls of the original inhabitants of this place. The forest is damaged and the giant wanted it fixed, but nobody wanted to help him because he's a dick. That's the broad strokes of it, at least as far as I understand it.
So you go to a city when you leave the tower? What's it like?
>>27452918
Anon, I think you're confusing the two forests. The forest that the giant is in is actually INSIDE the tower. Remember how we collected the soul acorns from the giant's forest and then planted them in the other forest in exchange for the griffon burial? Different places.
I don't really have time to track down the references for all the references for the setting details, and I understand where some of those misconceptions come from, since after all this place is confusing as hell. Let's just say we tell Rarity what little we know of the place's backstory, as far as Applejack herself knows.
>>27453133
>>27452918
I sigh, exasperated, "What does the city look like?"
"It's empty, and most of it in ruins." Before I can say anything, she adds. "I searched, but there wasn't anyone. This tower just... grows in the middle of it, like a tree."
I nod and give her a quick summary of what this place looks like. By the time I am done, Mirria walks out of the room with a tired expression, showing me the filled paper sheet, and I make a mental reminder to get more paper as soon as we can.
And torches. Those got ruined too.
I totally didn't forget putting the rope there before.
>>27452876
Into other countries. As in she crossed the border.
>>27453554
Read the papers.
>>27453716
I give a look to the papers, but they are a combination of Mirria's tight writing and doodles, half a conversation I didn't hear. She tries to write something else, but makes it obvious that there is no space left for her to use.
Rarity looks at her with a critic eye for a fraction of a second, so quick I barely have time to register she does.Thoughts about writing a pastebin explaining the general facts I've exposed? I'd prefer if the players themselves did it, but I guess I can do it myself.
>>27453877
I'd like a pastebin since I'm not sure of anything. Did Luna invent this place and teach a giant kid to speak Morse or what? How many Ludwigs are there?
>>27453877
Rarity, what do you see when you look at Mirria? I see a dark colored pegasus in a magic cloak. I want to check, since we apparently even see different environments outside the tower.
>>27453939
Yeah, I think you need a pastebin.
>>27453950#
Mirria seems to have noticed the look too and gives her a curious look, but I pip in before either can do anything.
"Hey, Rarity, you said you see the outside different. Is there anything with her? Other than a dark gray pegasus with a cloak?"
Mirria gives me a weird look, but Rarity... scans her again, for lack of a better word. After a moment of silence, Rarity steps closer to Mirria.
"Hm... are you a fighter, by chance?" Mirria nods curtly. "Definitely the posture of one, yes. You put a lot of emphasis in your body language too, so between that and the writing I assume you can't talk? But you seem to have grown stronger from it, or am I wrong?" She smiles softly at her. "And that mane, you could definitely take more care of it."
Rarity lifts a hoof as if to put some order on it, but Mirria catches her hoof and stares Rarity in the eyes until she steps away on her own.
"So sorry," Rarity makes a small curtsey. "I always forget how most pegasi feel about their manes."
Mirria looks at her for a moment, gives me an annoyed look, and points at the filled paper with more emphasis.Pausing for things and stuff. Maybe I'll QM when it's done if I am not too tired.
>>27454468
Rarity, we need to get Mirria some more paper, or better yet a portable chalkboard or something. She's out of paper and has things to say.
>>27454553
I cringe, "We need to go get some paper..." I leave it hanging, hoping that Rarity will catch on, but she seems intent on ignoring it and after a moment I give up. "Want to come?"
"Wouldn't dream of leaving you alone in such a dreadful place, dear. S." She adds the S at the last moment, losing her composure for an instant.
Mirria deadpans at her, then at me.>Where to?
>>27455324
Could we see the map for this floor again?
>>27455925
No problemo, gimme a moment.
>>27455925
See >>27441130
>>27455324
Down the only other pathway we havn't been. The lower yellow arrow after the hallway.
>>27455932
I'd still like to see the new map too, though.
>>27455324
fuck. here we go.
>>27455975
>>27455925
I am working in a better version, but this'll suffice for now. Same as always, yellow arrows are unexplored paths and red are explored paths. Would've posted before but I had some problems with my computer.
>>27456376
Let's try the path up and to the right of the library first.
>>27455925
>>27455975
>>27456376
Version without white shit.
>>27456516
To the library to write something quick in some blank page, then paper from the lower floor.
>>27456584
We go to the library, but have to stop when Rarity make an undignified squeak.
"Wherever did you go?" She feels around the doorway. "Dear?"
Before I can answer, Mirria grabs a book -stifling a yawn- and writes in it, then exits the room and gives it to Rarity without further ceremony. She reads it and gives herself a moment to think before nodding,
"I suppose I understand, yes." She nods. "But you can surely understand, I haven't seen her in quite some time. I am afraid anyone'd be..." She gives another to what Rarity wrote and makes a face."pushy if that happened."
Mirria deadpans at her.
"And yes, I am sorry." She concedes.
Pausing for the day, I am falling asleep at the keyboard here.
>>27456433
Queued.
>>27456739
Sleepy enough to forget my images.
